Indonesian Young Designer Shines in London Muslim Wear Runway

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian young fashion designer and founder of First Travel, Anniesa Hasibuan, captivated thousands of invitees and visitors at Westlife, the biggest mall in West London, with ten of her kaftan collections on Saturday, March 21. The muslim wear fashion show at the mall was held by muslim professional community in London Women’s Growth & Success Foundation whose mission is to promote friendly side of Islam in European society.

There are other muslim wear designers from Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Yaman, Lebanon, Qatar, and Indonesia, but Anniesa was the only one having her debut.

“My main job is traveling business woman,” said the 28-year-old lady who lives in Sentul, West Java.

Anniesa, who has never been to formal fashion design school, had only one month to prepare for the show.

“I love to draw since I was a kid and I love making clothes for family and friends too.”

Anniesa’s designs are different compared to other Middle Eastern designs that are more open. They are adorned with velvet, satin, and sequins from the hijab to the chest and combined with batik.

“I made it like this because Middle East is identical with glamorous impression,” Anniesa explained.

Buyers were swarming Anniesa’s booth after the show. Anniesa tagged her collection Rp20 million each and Rp50 million each for those showcased on the runway. She also attracted journalists from Kuwait and Yaman to interview them.

“After London, there has been an offer for fashion show in Dubai,” Anniesa said.

“I never thought of such responses.”

BHD